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oChef » Falafel City – San Francisco
Falafel City - San Francisco
Photo from Falafel City
Falafel City at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🥙 Middle Eastern Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 50 of the guests
#419 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Middle Eastern Restaurant out of 7 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
261
Reviews
87.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh falafel
- Excellent service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Hygiene concerns
- Unpleasant area
- Inconsistent food
The restaurant Falafel City brings you an authentic Middle Eastern experience right in the heart of San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood. If you’re looking for a casual spot where you can catch some sports while enjoying delicious food, this is your go-to.
You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a quick bite, offering everything from healthy and vegan options to late-night halal food. It’s a great place to unwind and savor flavorful dishes.
Overview: Introducting Falafel City
Falafel City generally offers a satisfying dining experience, particularly noted for its fresh and flavorful food. Many appreciate the attentive service and the overall value provided, making it a popular choice for its namesake dish.
However, some aspects of the ambience, particularly the surrounding neighborhood, have drawn criticism, and there have been occasional concerns regarding hygiene and food quality beyond the main falafel offerings.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
261
Reviews
87.4%
Satisfaction
32
negative
1
neutral
228
positive
Falafel City earns a solid 8.2 overall, indicating a good dining experience, supported by a strong 87.4% customer satisfaction rate. This positive sentiment is largely driven by the exceptional Food (8.4) and highly regarded Service (8.6), which consistently receive praise.
While the Value (7.9) is also considered good, the Ambience (5.9) presents a more mixed picture, falling into the average range. These insights are drawn from a substantial 261 customer opinions, with 228 positive remarks outweighing 32 negative ones, providing a clear overview of what to expect.
What people like
- Fresh, flavorful falafel
- Excellent, attentive service
- Good value for price
What people don't like
- Hygiene and cleanliness issues
- Unpleasant surrounding area
- Inconsistent food quality
Falafel City earns a strong 8.5 recommendation score, primarily due to its standout falafel and dedicated service. If you prioritize delicious, fresh Mediterranean food and appreciate attentive staff, this spot is likely to satisfy.
However, be mindful of the external environment and potential inconsistencies with certain non-falafel dishes. For a reliable, budget-friendly meal focused on its namesake, it remains a solid choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Falafel City
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a fantastic score of 8.4 and an excellent customer satisfaction rating of 90.1%, its clear most diners are loving whats on offer. Out of 172 customer remarks, a whopping 155 rave about the amazing food, generous portions, and fresh ingredients, highlighting the great taste across the menu.
However, its not entirely perfect. A small number of 16 comments did point out some issues, with concerns about food being dry or salty. A few even mentioned food poisoning and bad packing, which are definitely things to keep in mind.
Food
172
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
16
negative
1
neutral
155
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing food
- Generous portions
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Food poisoning
- Dry and salty
- Bad packing
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Falafel City was absolutely perfect! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I ordered two plates of falafels, and the food was incredibly fresh and flavorful — hands down some of the best falafel I’ve had. I left specific requests in the Uber Eats food modification section, and they followed them exactly.
- falafelMy experience at Falafel City was absolutely perfect! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I ordered two plates of falafels, and the food was incredibly fresh and flavorful — hands down some of the best falafel I’ve had. I left specific requests in the Uber Eats food modification section, and they followed them exactly.
- hummusThe attention to detail really impressed me. Even the hummus was rich and delicious. Thank you, Falafel City, for feeding me a perfect dinner.
- portionsFresh big portions of great food.
- menuEverything on the menu is bang-on delicious
- FoodWhile the samosas were a bit too spicy for my personal taste, I was overall very impressed to discover a place with hearty vegan options available so late in the city. The service was excellent, and the food was top-notch.
- burgerthe burger was delicious
- chicken platterOrdered chicken platter and side falafel pieces. Generous portions.
- falafelsBest falafels EVER. Really tasty and crunchy.
- flavorIt's also a plus that they are open late night. I appreciated that they are allergy friendly while still delivering great flavor.
Frequently criticized
- food poisoningsuffered from an awful case of food poisoning
- KunefeI ordered Kunefe online and unfortunately, it was too old and tasted bad. I could not even cut it.
- foodThe food is so dry and salty
- FoodFood:2
- chicken burgereating the horrible chicken burger
- dryfood is so dry
- greek friessoggy and nothing tasty
- headachehad a headache after
- packingThe packing was bad
- saltyfood is so salty
Overall, if youre looking for delicious, generously portioned food with fresh ingredients, this place seems like a solid bet. While there are rare reports of dryness or other issues, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely have a great meal.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.6 and an impressive customer satisfaction rate of 91.1%, its clear theyre doing something right. Based on 41 positive remarks out of 45 total, guests consistently praise the super nice Owner, great customer service, and the attentive staff who ensure youre well taken care of, often with "fast service" and a friendly attitude.
However, its not entirely without its hiccups. A few customers (4 observations) noted some areas for improvement, mentioning trash service in one instance and concerns about waiting time or even hygiene from staff. While these are isolated, they're worth keeping in mind for a truly perfect experience.
Service
45
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Super nice owner
- Great customer service
- Attentive, kind staff
What people don't like
- Long waiting time
- Hygiene concerns
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed their delicious falafel and the great service. It's also a plus that they are open late night.
- ServiceService was excellent
- customer servicethe customer service was so good
- ownerThe owner was so kind and hospitable
- peoplethe people there were so dang nice
- Abdulatif, Sulaiman and SaeedAbdulatif, Sulaiman and Saeed.
- Ahmad ShahThanks Ahmad Shah for being very helpful and welcoming
- Lovely peopleLovely people.
- attention to detailI left specific requests in the Uber Eats food modification section, and they followed them exactly. The attention to detail really impressed me. Even the hummus was rich and delicious.
- cookHes the best cook
Frequently criticized
- ServiceService:2
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by trash service. It took at least 30 minutes for the Greek fries, which arrived soggy and tasteless.
- staffWhile the food was quite good, scoring a 4 out of 5, the overall experience was marred by significant issues with hygiene. The staff seemed to be doing their work in a very dirty way, with no hygiene at all. This lack of cleanliness in their operations was a major concern.
- waiting timetook at least 30 mins
If you value friendly, attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. While there are a few isolated concerns, the overwhelming majority of experiences point to a staff that goes above and beyond to make your meal enjoyable. Expect to be well-cared for!
Ambience (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot has some definite upsides! Many folks (14 out of 24 comments, to be exact) really appreciate the clean place, comfortable seating, and the overall relaxing atmosphere. Some even called it a beautiful place and a warm respite.
While the overall score for ambience sits at an average 5.9, theres a good chunk of positive energy here. However, its not all sunshine and roses. About 10 comments point to some significant concerns, particularly around hygiene and the surrounding neighborhood.
Issues like a perceived lack of cleanliness, the presence of homeless individuals, and difficulties with parking in a less-than-ideal location really drag down the experience for some, contributing to a mixed 58.3% customer satisfaction.
Ambience
24
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, comfortable seating
- Relaxing atmosphere
- Beautiful interior
What people don't like
- Poor hygiene
- Unpleasant neighborhood
- Homeless presence
Often praised
- atmosphereI love this place because they are so nice to all walks of life. The atmosphere inside is very relaxing, and I love all the workers' attitudes. They are ready to get you fed, making for a great dining experience.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- beautiful placeIt is a beautiful place
- clean placeClean place as well
- comfortable seatingseating that is comfortable
- interior decorationInterior decoration is pretty good.
- noise levelNoise level: Very quiet
- praying areaThey have praying area
- seating areaseating area nice
- vibesChill vibes.
Frequently criticized
- neighborhoodThe neighborhood is absolutely disgusting
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- HomelessLots of Homeless, bums around!
- Styrofoam containersStyrofoam containers were a big negative
- areaThe area doesn't feel so safe.
- hygieneWhile the food was quite good, scoring a 4 out of 5, the overall experience was marred by significant issues with hygiene. The staff seemed to be doing their work in a very dirty way, with no hygiene at all. This lack of cleanliness in their operations was a major concern.
- locationHorrible location
- parkinglucky to get parking
- someone prey on the floorsomeone prey on the floor during your dinner
If you prioritize a clean and comfortable interior with a relaxing atmosphere, you might enjoy the vibe inside. However, be aware that the surrounding neighborhood and some hygiene concerns could be a significant drawback for your visit.
Value (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a good score of 7.9 and an excellent customer satisfaction rating of 90%, its clear most folks are happy. Out of 20 remarks, 18 rave about the "reasonable prices, " "good price, " and "fair price, " often mentioning "amazing food for a good price" and "really good value.
"However, its not entirely without a hitch. A couple of remarks (2 out of 20) point to some minor issues with the menu and prices. Specifically, some found the menu uploaded on Google is outdated and that prices were a bit higher than mentioned on Google.
Value
20
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
2
negative
0
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great value
- Affordable dining
What people don't like
- Outdated online menu
- Prices higher online
Often praised
- priceThe staff were polite, and I enjoyed the tasty loaded fries and falafel. I also ordered a large pizza, which was a good price for the size. However, the veggie pizza was missing mushrooms, which was a bit disappointing.
- pricesthe prices are affordable as well
- valueThe service was fast, and the interior decoration was pretty good, contributing to the chill vibes. Overall, this is a great value at this price point. If you're in the area and want to grab some Mediterranean food, you can't go wrong coming here.
- fair pricevery fair price
- good priceamazing food for a good price
- locationconsidering location and quality of food
- reasonable pricesat REASONABLE prices
Frequently criticized
- menumenu uploaded on google is outdated
- pricesprices were a bit higher than mentioned on google
If youre looking for a place where your wallet wont feel drained, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. While you might encounter a slight discrepancy with online menu prices, the overall consensus is that you'll get great food for a fair cost, making it a solid choice for value.
How are the prices at Falafel City?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 50 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Middle Eastern Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, most guests actually spend less, with the majority of prices clustering in the $11–$20 range. This suggests a good mix of options, from budget-friendly bites to slightly more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 50 reviews.
This graph compares the value for money of this restaurant to similar ones in San Francisco.
Considering the variety of price points and the overall average, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Middle Eastern restaurant in San Francisco. It offers flexibility for different budgets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Falafel City
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Eddy is the Best Cook!
My experience at the restaurant was great, especially thanks to the hard work of the employees. They really put up with a lot, particularly given their location and the unsavory characters they encounter. I want to give a special shout-out to @EDDY!
He's the best cook and makes great food.
- employees8
- great food10
- cook10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Delivery
1
Horrible Chicken Burger, Food Poisoning
I have ordered from this place so much, but today after eating the horrible chicken burger, I have food poisoning. Never again, avoid this place.
- chicken burger1
- food poisoning1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Delivery
2
Good Food, Bad Stomach Reaction
I've ordered from this restaurant so much that I've received a credit on DoorDash. I hadn't experienced any issues until this past weekend. After a couple of late nights out, I ordered from here twice, and the second time, I became incredibly sick.
I suffered from an awful case of food poisoning for three days! I probably won't order here again because I do not want to go through that experience ever. The food does taste good, but it's unfortunately not agreeable with my stomach.
With so many Greek options in SF, I'm probably going to have to retire this place.
- food7
- food poisoning1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Delicious Food, Great Options!
My first time here was a delicious and tasty experience. The menu offered tons of great options, and I would highly recommend this place to others.
- food10
- menu9
- place10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Perfectly Cooked Salmon and Refreshing Sides
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The salmon was cooked perfectly, and the seasonings truly elevated the dish. I also enjoyed the chutney, which had a strong and refreshing mint flavor that paired wonderfully with the tzatziki and rice.
The falafel was delicious, and I'm already looking forward to having it again.
- salmon10
- seasonings9
- chutney8
What Falafel City offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dietary options and food offerings can you expect at Falafel City?
At Falafel City, you’ll discover a diverse menu catering to various preferences. You can enjoy healthy options, vegan options, and vegetarian options, alongside delicious halal food. They also offer small plates, coffee, and late-night food, making it a versatile spot for any craving or time of day.
What are the service and dining options available when you visit Falafel City?
Falafel City offers flexible service options to suit your needs, including no-contact delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in. You can enjoy lunch or dinner with comfortable seating, or opt for quick counter service. They also provide catering services and accept reservations for your convenience.
What is Falafel City's overall rating and what are its strongest aspects?
Falafel City holds a good overall score of 8.2. Its strongest points are consistently praised Food (8.4) and excellent Service (8.6), with Value (7.9) also rated well.
Is the falafel at Falafel City highly rated?
Yes, customers frequently highlight the falafel as incredibly fresh, flavorful, and among the best they’ve experienced, often noting generous portions.
Are there any concerns regarding the dining environment or cleanliness at Falafel City?
Some customers have noted issues with the surrounding neighborhood and occasional concerns about hygiene and cleanliness within the establishment.